Electric Vehicles Amplify Road Wear: Concrete the Antidote, Suggests Britpave

Brief

Explore how the growth in electric vehicles may require a shift from asphalt to concrete roads. Learn about the increased wear-and-tear and potential solution suggested by Britpave, backed by University of Leeds’ research.

Insight

New research underscores how electric vehicles (EVs), due to their heavier weights, potentially exacerbate road wear and thus pothole development. According to a study by the University of Leeds, an average electric car increases road wear-and-tear more than two-fold compared to its petrol counterpart, primarily due to the substantial battery weight.

This finding substantiates the need for stronger, more durable road surfaces, especially given the projected rise in EV usage. Britpave, the British Cementitious Paving Association, advocates for concrete as a viable solution, citing its robustness, long-term performance, and lower maintenance requirements compared to the commonly used asphalt.

Asphalt, a combination of aggregates and filler materials, currently surfaces over 95% of UK roads. However, this material, despite its noted flexibility, construction efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, may struggle with the additional pressure exerted by EVs.

Concrete roads present an attractive alternative. Apart from being strong and durable, they also withstand hot summers without melting, unlike asphalt. Britpave Chair Joe Quirke underlines the need for a road surface that supports the electric vehicle revolution, potentially alleviating the ongoing £12bn UK pothole crisis.

The Leeds researchers categorised the electric vehicles by weight, considering small, medium, and large models. Regardless of size, EVs were, on average, 312kg heavier than their petrol equivalents, largely due to their batteries, which can weigh up to 500kg.

At present, only about 4% of England’s motorways and long-distance A-road networks consist of concrete. Given the growing popularity of EVs and their increased road strain, it may be prudent to consider a shift towards more concrete roads, thereby enhancing infrastructure sustainability.

Highlight

1. Asphalt, a combination of aggregates and filler materials, currently surfaces over 95% of UK roads. However, this material, despite its noted flexibility, construction efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, may struggle with the additional pressure exerted by EVs.
2. Regardless of size, EVs were, on average, 312kg heavier than their petrol equivalents, largely due to their batteries, which can weigh up to 500kg.
3. At present, only about 4% of England’s motorways and long-distance A-road networks consist of concrete.

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